Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate a 22-year-old man who went missing in the surf at Durban South Beach on New Year’s Day.
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According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Durban, the search began at around 08:00 on Thursday, 1 January, after reports that a man from the Eastern Cape had disappeared in the surf zone earlier that morning.
Assist at the scene
NSRI Durban station commander Etienne van Zyl said the NSRI crew was conducting routine sea training aboard the rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 when they were activated by Police Search and Rescue to assist at the scene.
The NSRI rescue craft diverted immediately and joined an extensive multi-agency search operation involving the South African Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, Metro Police Search and Rescue, the Metro Police Coastal and Tourism Unit, and eThekwini lifeguards.
A Police Air Wing helicopter was also deployed to assist with aerial search efforts.
No sign of the missing man
Despite an extensive air, sea and shoreline search, no sign of the missing man has been found.
Police Search and Rescue and Metro Police Search and Rescue, supported by eThekwini lifeguards, are continuing with ongoing search operations.
Authorities have conveyed their thoughts and support to the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time.
